Numismatic Dictionary

Unique number assigned to each die combination of Morgan and Peace dollars. See also Van Allen-Mallis.

Van Allen-Mallis

Unique number assigned to each die variety combination of Morgan and Peace dollars known to the authors of The Complete Catalog and Encyclopedia of United States Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars. Numbers assigned are called VAM numbers, an abbreviation of the authors Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.

variety

A coin of the same date and basic design as another but with slight differences such as variations in date, mintmark size and placement.

VDB

Initials of Victor David Brenner the designer of the Lincoln Cent. Used to describe the 1909 cents where Brenner’s initials appear at the bottom of the reverse before they were removed. Brenner’s initial were added back to the 1918 cent at the truncation of the bust under Lincoln’s shoulder.

vecturist

A person who collects transportation tokens

verdigris

A green or bluish-green substance stuck to a coin as a result from the metal reacting to a non-archival element like polyvinyl chloride. Coins with verdigris are usually considered damaged.

vest pocket dealer

A small volume dealer who doesn’t set up at shows nor has a coin shop.

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